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Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

An online repository of Taiwan's folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

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Martyrs
Folktale History Legend SiniticJuly 27, 2017February 28, 2020

Martyrs

Memories of martyrs help a struggling people find their identity in a brave new world.

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Trail of Tears
History Legend SiniticJuly 13, 2017February 28, 2020

Trail of Tears

This “hill song” records memories of the first Hakkas arriving in Taiwan in the 1600s.

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Seventh Eve
Folktale Mythology Sinitic TraditionJune 15, 2017August 21, 2020

Seventh Eve

A love story—once each year, two stars cross the “Silver River” for a long-awaited reunion.

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Dragon Boats
History Legend Sinitic TraditionJune 1, 2017June 25, 2020

Dragon Boats

The history and activities of the popular festival that marks the coming of summer in Taiwan!

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Lady Compassion
History Indo-European Sinitic TraditionApril 20, 2017March 22, 2023

Lady Compassion

This is the story of the evolution of Taiwan’s beloved Goddess of Mercy—how a Buddhist princely saint became a motherly deity for the Taiwanese.

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All Eyes and Ears
Mythology Sinitic TraditionApril 6, 2017February 28, 2020

All Eyes and Ears

The Sea Goddess has two loyal attendants who are “all eyes and ears.” This is their story.

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Fireflies
Folktale Mythology SiniticMarch 30, 2017April 26, 2020

Fireflies

A short, tragic tale that tells of how fireflies came to be and how they got their name.

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The Silent Maiden
Legend Sinitic TraditionMarch 23, 2017February 28, 2020

The Silent Maiden

The Sea Goddess is the protector of Taiwan. She was once a real person and this is her legend.

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A Tale of Two Cities
History Sinitic TraditionMarch 8, 2017January 10, 2021

A Tale of Two Cities

“Three-eight” is both the date of International Women’s Day (March 8) and a very common Taiwanese expression or tease. What’s the connection? Find out here!

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A Robin Hood Tale
History Legend SiniticDecember 7, 2016February 28, 2020

A Robin Hood Tale

This is the legendary tale of a petty criminal who became an outlaw and a folk hero in Taiwan.

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The Pirate King
History Legend SiniticDecember 1, 2016July 21, 2021

The Pirate King

In the late 1600s, the pirate king, Koxinga, ruled over the island of Taiwan. Today, he is a Taiwanese folk hero and this is his story.

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The Mouse's Bride
Folktale Sinitic TraditionDecember 1, 2016February 28, 2020

The Mouse’s Bride

From a children’s tale: On the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year, the mice welcome their brides.

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